Page 332 - The Book Thief

There would be no killing.

It was worse.

A kindly party member had seen the incident and jogged dutifully down to the
group. What happened here? he asked.

Well, shes a maniac. Klaus pointed at Liesel, prompting the man to help her up.
His tobacco breath formed a smoky sandhill in front of her face.

I dont think youre in any state to keep playing, my girl, he said. Where do you
live?

Im fine, she answered, really. I can make it myself. Just get off me, get off me!

That was when Rudy stepped in, the eternal stepper-inner. Ill help you home, he

said. Why couldnt he just mind his own business for a change?

Really, Liesel said. Just keep playing, Rudy. I can make it.

No, no. He wouldnt be shifted. The stubbornness of him! Itll only take a minute
or two.

Again, she had to think, and again, she was able. With Rudy holding her up, she
made herself drop once more to the ground, on her back. My papa, she said. The
sky, she noticed, was utterly blue. Not even the suggestion of a cloud. Could you
get him, Rudy?

Stay there. To his right, he called out, Tommy, watch her, will you? Dont let her

move.

Tommy snapped into action. Ill watch her, Rudy. He stood above her, twitching
and trying not to smile, as Liesel kept an eye on the party man.

A minute later, Hans Hubermann was standing calmly above her.

Hey, Papa.